New head steps up to new challenge

New Broome Senior High School principal Mathew Burt knows he has big shoes to fill but is certain he is up for the challenge.

As students returned to school recently, the principal had some first-day nerves of his own, but a welcoming community helped him quickly shake off any concerns he may have had.

Moving to town earlier this year with wife Von, who took on a part-time English teaching role at the same school, and children Ava and Alex, Mr Burt said Broome would be the perfect place for him and his family.

“Initially I thought there was no chance I could convince my family to relocate,” he said.

“But it quickly became apparent it was a great opportunity for me and an even bigger opportunity for my kids to learn more about country communities and be involved in a real positive environment.”

Mr Burt has an impressive resume, ranging from principal stints at public schools across Perth to assisting in the set-up of Fremantle College, and said Broome was the next exciting chapter in his career.

Although he had his foot in a number of doors, it was Broome Senior High School’s tremendous performance and culture that stuck out to Mr Burt, who had several meetings with former principal Saeed Amin before taking on the role.

Mr Burt said he intended to carry on Mr Amin’s work and values that he believed had been entrenched in the school.

“I will continue to place a strong focus on attraction and retention,” he said. “It is important the school provides the best education setting we can for these students.”

He said he had total faith in the public school system and would strive for great results.

“I believe that a strong school means a strong community,” he said.

“I have seen evidence of that across the country.

“You’ve got a fantastic school that the town want to send their kids to and it’s a healthy, thriving community as a result.

“But Broome Senior runs just like a well-oiled machine that just needs someone to steer the ship and that’s what I’m here to continue to do.

“The school is heading in the right direction and, rest assured, I will be working hard to keep it that way.”